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Flamingos feature one of the most sophisticated filter-feeding systems among birds, characterized by upside-down feeding, comb-like lamellae, and a piston-like tongue. However, the hydrodynamic functions of their L-shaped chattering beak, S-curved neck, and distinct behaviors such as stomping and feeding against the flow remain a mystery. Combining live flamingo experiments with live brine shrimp and passive particles, bioinspired physical models, and 3D CFD simulations, we show that flamingos generate self-induced vortical traps using their heads, beaks, and feet to capture agile planktonic prey in harsh fluid environments. When retracting their heads rapidly (~40 cm/s), flamingos generate tornado-like vortices that stir up and upwell bottom sediments and live shrimp aided by their L-shaped beak. Remarkably, they also induce directional flows (~7 cm/s) through asymmetric beak chattering underwater (~12 Hz). Their morphing feet create horizontal eddies during stomping, lifting, and concentrating sediments and brine shrimp, while trapping fast-swimming invertebrates, as confirmed by using a 3D-printed morphing foot model. During interfacial skimming, flamingos produce a vortical recirculation zone at the beak’s tip, aiding in prey capture. Experiments using a flamingo-inspired particle collection system indicate that beak chattering improves capture rates by ~7×. These findings offer design principles for bioinspired particle collection systems that may be applied to remove pollutants and harmful microorganisms from water bodies. 

Abstract The semi‐aquatic North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) has the unique challenge of navigating slippery algae‐coated rocks. Unlike other river otter species, each rear paw of the North American river otter has a series of soft, circular, and keratinized plantar pads similar to the felt pads on the boots of fly fishermen. Surrounding these soft pads is a textured epidermal layer. In this combined experimental and numerical study, we investigate the influence of the plantar pads and surrounding skin on the otter's grip. We filmed an otter walking and performed materials testing and histology on preserved otter paws. We present experiments and numerical modeling of how the otter paw may help evacuate water when contacting the river bed. We hope this study will draw interest into natural amphibious grip mechanisms for use in sports and the military. 

The recent increase in public and academic interest in preserving biodiversity has led to the growth of the field of conservation technology. This field involves designing and constructing tools that use technology to aid in the conservation of wildlife. In this review, we present five case studies and infer a framework for designing conservation tools (CT) based on human–wildlife interaction. Successful CT range in complexity from cat collars to machine learning and game theory methodologies and do not require technological expertise to contribute to conservation tool creation. Our goal is to introduce researchers to the field of conservation technology and provide references for guiding the next generation of conservation technologists. Conservation technology not only has the potential to benefit biodiversity but also has broader impacts on fields such as sustainability and environmental protection. By using innovative technologies to address conservation challenges, we can find more effective and efficient solutions to protect and preserve our planet’s resources. 

Abstract Elephants have long been observed to grip objects with their trunk, but little is known about how they adjust their strategy for different weights. In this study, we challenge a female African elephant at Zoo Atlanta to lift 20–60 kg barbell weights with only its trunk. We measure the trunk’s shape and wrinkle geometry from a frozen elephant trunk at the Smithsonian. We observe several strategies employed to accommodate heavier weights, including accelerating less, orienting the trunk vertically, and wrapping the barbell with a greater trunk length. Mathematical models show that increasing barbell weights are associated with constant trunk tensile force and an increasing barbell-wrapping surface area due to the trunk’s wrinkles. Our findings may inspire the design of more adaptable soft robotic grippers that can improve grip using surface morphology such as wrinkles.